Linux vs. Windows

Linux or Windows – which operating system is the best choice for me?

Linux or Windows – both can work for you

The choice you have when purchasing a 1&1 IONOS shared hosting package is whether to opt for Linux or Windows technology. Both formats will work on any PC and are capable of powering impressive websites.

The operating system that you use on your computer should not govern your choice, all 1&1 IONOS packages come with FTP access and a range of web page publishing options, so if your computer runs on Microsoft® Windows® for instance, it doesn't mean you have to opt for Microsoft web hosting; Linux hosting works just as well as Windows hosting.

Which is best for you?

Both technologies are well proven, with 1&1 IONOS supporting packages for both beginners and professional web developers. Although you may have a preference to either choose Linux or Windows based on your operating system or on what you've been advised, it is essential to choose the technology that is more suited to your style of web building.

Choose the right solution

Consider the tools and scripting language you plan to use – if you use PHP, MySQL, or Perl together with a variety of software programs, Linux is the one for you. If the applications you plan to use are Windows-specific, then Windows hosting is likely to be the right choice. Either way, check out all the features on the 1&1 IONOS shared hosting packages available, and you'll see the variety of ways you'll be able to bring your web project to life.

Linux hosting

When it comes to web hosting, Linux is widely considered to be the best operating system for web servers. Characteristically reliable, stable, and efficient, Linux is proven in the most demanding environments of web and mail servers.

If you plan to incorporate work that uses PHP, Perl, or MySQL languages, Linux is the solution you should choose. Linux is also ideal for the kind of websites that display information as a brochure, in newsletter format, or as data sheets. Linux works well for 'brochure-ware' sites that offer interaction via inquiry forms, online purchasing, and other eCommerce functions.

When looking for ready-to-use solutions to power your website, applications such as blogs, content management systems, or discussion boards, more open source applications can be found for Linux hosting, while software for Windows® hosting is more likely to be based on licensed sources you have to pay for.

Windows® hosting

Windows facilitates varying degrees of design and management through a drag-and-drop philosophy, via .Net Framework, and SharePoint. Windows presents an advantage when it comes to the integration of Windows applications when you're designing your website. Essential Windows-specific applications such as ASP® will work particularly comfortably with a 1&1 IONOS Windows® hosting package.

Windows also presents an advantage if you plan to incorporate searchable databases to your website. The reduced development time and better-integrated functionality characteristics of Windows® Hosting offer a real advantage for users wishing to incorporate database facilities to their website.

Choose one of our hosting packages

Free domain for first year Offer only valid on purchase. For the free domain offer, please choose from the following extensions: co.uk, org.uk, me.uk, info, website, club, me, uk, com, net, biz, orgClose

Initial performance level 1 At level 1 you have a 512 MB PHP memory limit and up to 2.5 GB RAM, so your site can handle around 100 visitors per minute. Upgrade your performance level at any time up to level 5.Close

Free domain for first year Offer only valid on purchase. For the free domain offer, please choose from the following extensions: co.uk, org.uk, me.uk, info, website, club, me, uk, com, net, biz, orgClose

Initial performance level 2 At level 2 you have a 640 MB PHP memory limit and up to 6 GB RAM, so your site can handle around 200 visitors per minute. Upgrade your performance level at any time up to level 5.Close

Free domain for first year Offer only valid on purchase. For the free domain offer, please choose from the following extensions: co.uk, org.uk, me.uk, info, website, club, me, uk, com, net, biz, orgClose

Initial performance level 3 At level 3 you have a 640 MB PHP memory limit and up to 9 GB RAM, so your site can handle around 300 visitors per minute. Upgrade your performance level at any time up to level 5.Close

Linux vs. Windows

FAQ

Is a general recommendation possible whether Linux or Windows is better?

It's impossible to make a general recommendation because your choice depends on the requirements of your hosting or website project. But Linux has the advantage of working on 70% of webservers worldwide, so that might be a minor advantage.

What's the main difference between Linux and Windows Hosting?

The main difference is the operating system which is responsible for executing scripts and databases. In other words: Linux and Windows are using different script and database languages. So you should think in advance if you need special Windows script languages. When there's no need for ASP. VBScript or MSSQL, Linux is the OS of choice. By the way, it doesn't matter if your computer runs on Windows, because all computers are able to communicate with Linux or Windows servers.

When should I use Windows hosting?

Windows makes it possible to execute conception frameworks, .NET framework or SharePoint. In this case Windows has a big advantage when you want to add special Windows applications to your website. Some of them are ActiveServerPages (ASP), .NET script languages, VisualBasic or using Microsoft SQL databases (Access).

When should I use Linux hosting?

Linux is often thought of as the best operating system for web servers. With its characteristic reliability, stability and efficiency Linux proved itself in complex web and mailserver environments. If you want to use PHP, Perl or MySQL, Linux is the operating system of choice because Linux hosting is well-suited for blogs, content management systems, online stores and forums.

Questions?

We'd be happy to help you choose the right product or provide support for existing customers.